Men's Ice Hockey 11/28/2023 6:06:00 PM

WOOD MAKES COLLEGE COMMITMENT

COMMITS TO UMASS AMHERST

Lincoln Stars forward Tyler Wood has committed to play college hockey at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an NCAA Division I program in the Hockey East Conference.

Wood, 17, was selected 71st overall and in the fifth round of the 2022 USHL Phase I Draft and has a goal and an assist in 15 games. He scored his first USHL goal against the Waterloo Black Hawks on Oct. 27.

"I thought UMass was a good fit after talking to them and looking at their facilities," Wood said. "Seeing the guys that go through there, they had a lot of guys in this past NHL Draft. I watched a video on YouTube of their facilities and all of it is unreal so I couldn't be happier. (Playing in the USHL) has been awesome for exposure. You don't know who has been watching every night and it's been great."

The Cornwall, Prince Edward Island native previously appeared in nine games with the Cowichan Valley Capitals last season before a season-ending injury. Wood recorded 79 points (33+46) in 53 games for South Kent School 15U AAA in 2021-22 and 34 points (17+17) in 25 games for Mount St. Charles Academy 14U AAA in 2020-21.

UMass is 9-3-1 and on a three-game win streak two months into the season. This is their 30th campaign of Division-I hockey and they have 16 former USHL players on their roster.

The Minutemen are led by Greg Carvel, who is in his eighth season as head coach. He won the national championship in 2021 and was the Spencer Penrose Award winner for his efforts in 2018-19 when he led UMass to the national championship game. Carvel also coached 2018-19 Hobey Baker Award winner Cale Makar that season. Three of the Minutemen's four NCAA Tournament appearances have come under Carvel as have both of their Frozen Four berths.

"We are very proud to announce Tyler's commitment to UMass," Stars head coach Rocky Russo said. "Tyler is a hard-nosed player with a tremendous upside as he continues to adjust to the USHL. I am very excited to see Tyler continue to develop here in Lincoln and ultimately be a great addition to Coach Carvel's program."

Wood and the Stars are on the road this weekend to face the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Friday and the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday. Lincoln returns home Dec. 8-10 to face the Fargo Force and fans can get tickets to all three games for the price of two by purchasing a December Package here.

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